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Leeds manager Daniel Farke has accused City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of simulating a knock to "exploit the regulations" in their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the poorest beginning with Phil Foden finding the net within the opening 60 seconds, prior to Josko Gvardiol extended the hosts' advantage before the half-time break

Second Period Revival Denied

Nevertheless, the visitors fought back after the interval following a change of strategy and setup, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting straight away following the resumption

And with City visibly struggling to deal with the adjustments moments before Lukas Nmecha levelled, home keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to receive treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to call his players to the sideline and deliver new instructions in the two minutes the game was stopped for

"Everyone understands why he went down," Farke commented

"It is not the elephant in the room. Why he fell it was obvious. It is within the regulations. It is smart. If I like it? If it's within the sense of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will reserve to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to determine a solution"

Coach's Disappointment

"I questioned the fourth official at this moment if you want to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we educate our players in the game what to do in terms of sportsmanship and sportsmanship and whatever and if we just try to exploit regulations and even do a simulated knock in order to do an extra team talk, it is not what I like myself. But if it is within the regulations I have no grounds for complaint"

Late Deciding Goal

Foden's injury-time decisive goal sent Leeds to a sixth consecutive loss in seven top-flight fixtures to place them 18th in the division, with only bottom club Wolves having scored less top-flight goals this season

Tactical Changes

Nonetheless, Daniel Farke, who has been questioned for a lack of adventure especially around changes, was nearly vindicated for a bold choice at the interval that almost reversed their fortunes

Speaking to television pundits, Phil Foden, said that his team were only able to regroup after Pep Guardiola's sideline meeting with his players

"During the break we were in command. After halftime they came out, pressed us a lot higher, they put two in attack and altered the setup a little bit," commented Foden

"We really struggled to gain control of the match. We assembled on the edge of the field and adjusted a few things and it improved from there. That little break was vital to get things right"

Encouraging Signs for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four straight consecutive top-flight games was in 2022-23, when their season ended with relegation

Nevertheless, while Daniel Farke said that "their main feeling is disappointment", their second period display provided sufficient proof to indicate they are able of halting their present run and moving up the table

"To show such a display should give us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a great opportunity to earn the results," the manager added

"We had the confidence before the game, during the game and following the encounter. Or else you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have strong togetherness and fighting spirit in the locker room"

Pundit Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, former Celtic forward Chris Sutton remarked: "Everyone expected it to be a straightforward win for Manchester City, but it has been far from easy in this second period"

"Leeds United can take a lot from this display with the way they have performed in this second period"

"Following that were Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as responsive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and roughed up the City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds' campaign, but Manchester City discovered a bit of brilliance. They got away with one this evening"